Salvador Da Bahia

Brazil

Salvador Da Bahia Travel Guide

Salvador is Bahia state's capital city. Its pulse and vibrancy
will linger in the minds of visitors long after they've left its
golden shores.

Founded in 1549, Salvador quickly became Brazil's premier city,
and the Portuguese Empire's second most important one - after
Lisbon. It prospered in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was
Brazil's major port. A significant portion of the country's gold,
sugar and diamonds passed through its territory.

Today, the city's impressive colonial architecture is evidence
of its rich history. Well-restored enclaves of the old city remain
between modern tower blocks. Visitors will encounter cobblestone
streets, colourful mansions, and dozens of ornate Baroque churches.
The São Francisco Church and Convent, a high-baroque
cathedral located in downtown Salvador, has to be seen to be
believed. Funded by the area's sugar barons and built between 1708
and 1723, the cathedral's interior is literally plastered with
gold. Precious stones and Sistine Chapel-like paintings adorn the
ceiling. Most churches are open to the public and many have been
turned into museums.

This delightfully decadent city's spicy atmosphere is best
soaked up on foot, within its narrow streets and markets. The
Mercado Modelo arts and crafts market may be Salvador's finest. One
of the city's more unusual experiences is to ride the Elevador
Lacerda. The Art Deco structure houses old electric elevators that
carry passengers between the port and the old historic part of
town.

Salvador's beaches present visitors with an enviable list of
options. The range extends from calm coves ideal for swimming,
sailing, and underwater fishing, such as Porto da Barra beach, to
wild coasts facing the Atlantic Ocean. Aleluia beach falls into the
latter category and attracts many surfers. Some beaches are
surrounded by coral reefs, forming natural swimming pools that are
ideal for children. Beautiful beaches host many of Salvador's great
festivals, including the performances and fireworks of the New Year
festivities.

Salvador is Brazil's most Africanised state. Indeed, thousands
of slaves were taken to the region's sugarcane plantations 400
years ago. The Museu Afro-Brasileira is dedicated to this history
and culture. The fusion of African and Latin cultures has given
Salvador a unique brand of magic that is particularly evident at
the city's many festivals, most notably the massive Carnival in
mid-November. It attracts two million revellers from all over the
world and is said to rival the famous Rio Carnival.

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Salvador Da Bahia Travel Guide

Salvador is Bahia state's capital city. Its pulse and vibrancy
will linger in the minds of visitors long after they've left its
golden shores.

Founded in 1549, Salvador quickly became Brazil's premier city,
and the Portuguese Empire's second most important one - after
Lisbon. It prospered in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was
Brazil's major port. A significant portion of the country's gold,
sugar and diamonds passed through its territory.

Today, the city's impressive colonial architecture is evidence
of its rich history. Well-restored enclaves of the old city remain
between modern tower blocks. Visitors will encounter cobblestone
streets, colourful mansions, and dozens of ornate Baroque churches.
The São Francisco Church and Convent, a high-baroque
cathedral located in downtown Salvador, has to be seen to be
believed. Funded by the area's sugar barons and built between 1708
and 1723, the cathedral's interior is literally plastered with
gold. Precious stones and Sistine Chapel-like paintings adorn the
ceiling. Most churches are open to the public and many have been
turned into museums.

This delightfully decadent city's spicy atmosphere is best
soaked up on foot, within its narrow streets and markets. The
Mercado Modelo arts and crafts market may be Salvador's finest. One
of the city's more unusual experiences is to ride the Elevador
Lacerda. The Art Deco structure houses old electric elevators that
carry passengers between the port and the old historic part of
town.

Salvador's beaches present visitors with an enviable list of
options. The range extends from calm coves ideal for swimming,
sailing, and underwater fishing, such as Porto da Barra beach, to
wild coasts facing the Atlantic Ocean. Aleluia beach falls into the
latter category and attracts many surfers. Some beaches are
surrounded by coral reefs, forming natural swimming pools that are
ideal for children. Beautiful beaches host many of Salvador's great
festivals, including the performances and fireworks of the New Year
festivities.

Salvador is Brazil's most Africanised state. Indeed, thousands
of slaves were taken to the region's sugarcane plantations 400
years ago. The Museu Afro-Brasileira is dedicated to this history
and culture. The fusion of African and Latin cultures has given
Salvador a unique brand of magic that is particularly evident at
the city's many festivals, most notably the massive Carnival in
mid-November. It attracts two million revellers from all over the
world and is said to rival the famous Rio Carnival.